Czarena Crofcheck joined the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering faculty in 2001. Her past research efforts focused on bioprocessing, specifically downstream separations, algae growth for CO2 mitigation, and the conversion of biomass to chemicals and fuels. Today, she enjoys collaborating with other faculty by serving on M.S. and Ph.D. graduate committees. Dr. Crofcheck teaches BAE 202 Probability and Statistics for Biosystems Engineering, BAE 400 Senior Seminar, and AEN 341 Brewing Science and Technology. She has won several teaching awards, at the department, college, university, and national level. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the undergraduate professional organization, the BAE Student Branch. She is also the Co-Director for the Distillation, Wine, and Brewing Certificate and a Faculty Fellow of the James B. Beam Institute. In addition, she’s a Co-PI for the $24 million KY-NSF-EPSCoR grant, Climate Resilience Through Multidisciplinary Big Data Learning, Prediction and Building (CLIMBS), coordinating the workforce development efforts, which include education, outreach, and broadening participation.
Research Interests
- Bioprocessing
- Biofuels
- Fermentation
- Algae Cultivation
- Downstream Processing
Scholars@UK
Wetland Treatment Systems for Municipal Wastewater at a Bourbon Distillery and Potential Value of Incorporating Stillage for Water Treatment Enhancement
Ristola, K., Messer, T., Crofcheck, C., Barzee, T. & Sanderson, W., Jun 2025, In: Journal of Natural Resources and Agricultural Ecosystems. 3, 2, p. 88-99Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Comparison of laboratory scale bourbon whiskey mashing and fermentation to pilot scale
Sarhan, R., Berron, B., Crofcheck, C., Joyce, G. E. & Barzee, T., Jun 25 2025, In: Journal of the Federated Institutes of Brewing. 131, 2Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Impacts of material characteristics on the anaerobic digestion kinetics and biomethane potential of American bourbon and whiskey stillage
Hockensmith, D., Crofcheck, C. & Barzee, T. J., Sep 2024, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 367, 121975.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Histidine tagged protein recovery from tobacco extract by foam fractionation
Crofcheck, C., Loiselle, M., Weekley, J., Maiti, I., Pattanaik, S., Bummer, P. M. & Jay, M., 2003, In: Biotechnology Progress. 19, 2, p. 680-2 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Effect of ion and surfactant choice on the recovery of a histidine-tagged protein from tobacco extract using foam fractionation
Crofcheck, C., Maiti, I., Pattanaik, S. & Jay, M., Oct 2004, In: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 119, 1, p. 79-92 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Green solvent mediated extraction of micro- and nano-plastic particles from water
Hunter, J. R., Qiao, Q., Zhang, Y., Shao, Q., Crofcheck, C. & Shi, J., Dec 2023, In: Scientific Reports. 13, 1, 10585.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Temperature‐sensitive luminescence of tris (β‐diketone) europium chelates for monitoring high‐speed cationic photopolymerizations
Crofcheck, C. L., Nelson, E. W., Jacobs, J. L. & Scranton, A. B., Jul 30 1995, In: Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry. 33, 10, p. 1735-1744 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Influence of collection method on the sugar and ethanol processing characteristics
Montross, M. D., Radtke, C., Crofcheck, C. & Shearer, S. A., 2007, 2007 AIChE Annual Meeting. (2007 AIChE Annual Meeting).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Effect of stover fraction on glucose production using enzymatic hydrolysis
Crofcheck, C. L. & Montross, M. D., May 2004, In: Transactions of the ASABE. 47, 3, p. 841-844 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Concentration of whey solutions by foam fractionation
Shea, A., Swamy, J. N. & Crofcheck, C., 2005, p. 2221. 1 p.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
Spatially selective melting and evaporation of nanosized gold particles
Hawes, E. A., Hastings, J. T., Crofcheck, C. & Mengüç, M. P., Jun 15 2008, In: Optics Letters. 33, 12, p. 1383-1385 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Effects of growth media ph and reaction wateractivity on the conversion of acetophenone to(s)-1-phenylethanol by saccharomyces cerevisiaeimmobilized on celite 635 and in calcium alginate
Coleman, N. P., Crofcheck, C. L., Nokes, S. E. & Knutson, B., Mar 2009, In: Transactions of the ASABE. 52, 2, p. 665-671 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Bio-oil upgrading over platinum catalysts using in situ generated hydrogen
Fisk, C. A., Morgan, T., Ji, Y., Crocker, M., Crofcheck, C. & Lewis, S. A., May 1 2009, In: Applied Catalysis A: General. 358, 2, p. 150-156 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Application of recycled media and algae-based anaerobic digestate in Scenedesmus cultivation
E, X., Crofcheck, C. & Crocker, M., Jan 1 2016, In: Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. 8, 1, 013116.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Processing of "whey-ste" into a value-added product: An overview
Crofcheck, C. & Hestekin, J. A., 2005, p. 2203. 1 p.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
Lipid extraction from Scenedesmus sp. microalgae for biodiesel production using hot compressed hexane
Shin, H. Y., Ryu, J. H., Bae, S. Y., Crofcheck, C. & Crocker, M., Aug 15 2014, In: Fuel. 130, p. 66-69 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Light scattering applications in milk and dairy processing
Crofcheck, C., Jan 1 2017, Light Scattering Technology for Food Property, Quality and Safety Assessment. p. 319-330 12 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Pretreatment of Scenedesmus sp. biomass as a potential anaerobic digestion substrate
Xinyi, E. & Crofcheck, C., 2014, In: Biological Engineering Transactions. 7, 1, p. 41-52 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Effect of stover fraction and storage method on glucose production during enzymatic hydrolysis
Montross, M. D. & Crofcheck, C. L., May 2004, In: Bioresource Technology. 92, 3, p. 269-274 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
A Monte Carlo Ray tracing simulation of polarized light propagation in liquid foams: A preliminary approach to foam characterization
Swamy, J. N., Crofcheck, C. & Menguc, M. P., 2005, p. 15. 1 p.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
The Effects of PFAS Loading on Biogeochemical Cycling, Fate, and Transport in Wetlands
Unrine, J. (PI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI), Messer, T. (CoI) & Rodriguez Lopez, C. (CoI)
1/16/25 → 1/15/28
Project: Research project
RII Track-1: Climate Resilience through Multidisciplinary Big Data Learning, Prediction & Building Response Systems (CLIMBS)
Andrews, R. (PI), Blandford, B. (CoI), Brown, S. (CoI), Bryson, L. (CoI), Carpenter, S. (CoI), Chen, M. (CoI), Crawford, M. (CoI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI), Dortch, J. (CoI), Erhardt, A. (CoI), Felima, C. (CoI), Fox, J. (CoI), Imran, A.-A.-Z. (CoI), McGlue, M. (CoI), Moecher, D. (CoI), Swallom, M. (CoI), Thigpen, J. (CoI), Wang, Z. (CoI), Woolery, E. (CoI), Zhu, J. (CoI), Tobin, B. (Former CoI) & Yeager, K. (Former CoI)
7/1/24 → 6/30/29
Project: Research project
Tiffany Messer Scope 11-104B Water Resources Research Institute Annual Base Program 2021-2026
Messer, T. (PI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI) & Unrine, J. (CoI)
9/1/21 → 8/31/24
Project: Research project
Demonstration of an Algae-based System for CO2 Mitigation from Coal-fired Power Plants
Crocker, M. (PI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI), Groppo, J. (CoI) & Wilson, M. (CoI)
7/10/14 → 6/30/15
Project: Research project
Screening And Evaluation Of Oilfield Sewage -proof Microalgae
Crofcheck, C. (PI) & Liu, K. (CoI)
Sinopec Petroleum Engineering Corporation
11/11/13 → 10/31/14
Project: Research project
NSF EPSCoR: RII Track-1: Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Partnership for Enhanced Robotics and Structures
Andrews, R. (PI), Anthony, J. (CoI), Berron, B. (CoI), Brill, J. (CoI), Chappell, J. (CoI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI), DeBolt, S. (CoI), Graham, K. (CoI), Hoagg, J. (CoI), McCarthy, C. (CoI), Mossey, J. (CoI), Pham, J. (CoI), Risko, C. (CoI), Sunderam, S. (CoI), Trinkle, C. (CoI), Weisenberger, M. (CoI) & Odom, S. (Former CoI)
7/1/19 → 6/30/24
Project: Research project
On-Farm Biomass Processing: Towards an Integrated High Solids Transporting/Storing/Processing System
Crofcheck, C. (PI)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
7/1/12 → 6/30/16
Project: Research project
NSF EPSCoR: Powering the Kentucky Bioeconomy: Crofcheck Scope
Crofcheck, C. (PI) & Andrews, R. (CoI)
8/1/18 → 7/31/19
Project: Research project
NSF EPSCoR: Crofcheck Scope for Seminar: How Technical Systems Management and Related Programs are Embracing New Teaching Models and Industry Collaboration to Overcome Kentucky's Middle Skills Gap and Create a Strong Workforce Pipeline
Crofcheck, C. (PI) & Andrews, R. (CoI)
8/1/15 → 8/31/18
Project: Research project
NSF EPSCoR: Crofcheck Scope for Seminar: How Technical Systems Management and Related Programs are Embracing New Teaching Models and Industry Collaboration to Overcome Kentucky's Middle Skills Gap and Create a Strong Workforce Pipeline
Crofcheck, C. (PI) & Andrews, R. (CoI)
1/1/15 → 7/31/16
Project: Research project
KY EPSCoR: Powering the Kentucky Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Future (Crofcheck Scope)
Crofcheck, C. (PI)
KY Council on Postsecondary Education
6/1/14 → 7/31/18
Project: Research project
NSF EPSCoR: Powering the Kentucky Bioeconomy for a Sustainable Future (Lignin Scope)
DeBolt, S. (PI) & Crofcheck, C. (CoI)
8/1/14 → 7/31/16
Project: Research project
TCE Bioaccumulation by Microalgae: Proof of Concept
Crofcheck, C. (PI)
9/15/03 → 9/30/15
Project: Research project
REU Supplement: NER: Directed and Selective Self-Assembly of Nanosized Particles via Surface-Plasmon Excitation
Hastings, J. (PI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI) & Menguc, M. (CoI)
12/20/06 → 5/31/08
Project: Research project
104B Water Resources Research Institute Annual Base Program 2021-2026
Unrine, J. (PI), Ormsbee, L. (Former PI), Arpin, S. (Former CoI), Barton, C. (Former CoI), Brewster-Barnes, T. (Former CoI), Byrne, D. (Former CoI), Crofcheck, C. (Former CoI), D'Angelo, E. (Former CoI), Durham, R. (Former CoI), Erhardt, A. (Former CoI), Evans, S. (Former CoI), Ford, W. (Former CoI), Fryar, A. (Former CoI), Koyagi, E. (Former CoI), Lee, B. (Former CoI), Messer, T. (Former CoI), Moe, L. (Former CoI), Sena, K. (Former CoI), Shelley, A. (Former CoI), Shultis, A. (Former CoI), Tobin, B. (Former CoI) & Weisrock, D. (Former CoI)
9/1/21 → 8/31/26
Project: Research project
Demonstration of an Algae-based System for CO2 Mitigation from Coal-fired Power Plants
Andrews, R. (PI), Crocker, M. (CoI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI) & Montross, M. (CoI)
KY Energy and Environment Cabinet
7/1/11 → 12/31/12
Project: Research project
On-Farm Biomass Processing: Towards an Integrated High Solids Transporting/Storing/Processing System
Nokes, S. (PI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI), DeBolt, S. (CoI), Halich, G. (CoI), Knutson, B. (CoI), Lee, C. (CoI), Lynn, B. (CoI), Montross, M. (CoI), Mueller, T. (CoI), Rankin, S. (CoI), Seay, J. (CoI), Shearer, S. (CoI), Smith, S. (CoI) & Stombaugh, T. (CoI)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
4/1/11 → 6/30/12
Project: Research project
Development of an Algae-based System for CO2 Mitigation from Coal-fired Power Plants - Year 3
Andrews, R. (PI), Crocker, M. (CoI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI) & Montross, M. (CoI)
KY Energy and Environment Cabinet
8/1/10 → 12/31/11
Project: Research project
Establishment of a Laboratory for Biofuels at the University of Kentucky
Andrews, R. (PI), Crocker, M. (CoI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI) & Montross, M. (CoI)
7/1/08 → 1/1/13
Project: Research project
Optical Detection of Microbial Contamination in Food Matrices
Payne, F. (PI), Crofcheck, C. (CoI) & Montross, M. (CoI)
National Institute for Hometown Security
4/26/10 → 6/30/13
Project: Research project
Education
- Ph.D., Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, 2001
- M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of Kentucky, 1997
- B.S., Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University, 1994
Associated Departments